The difference between Old and New World archaeology

Before I begin sharing some of the interesting New World evidences that are consistent with an ancient Book of Mormon, there is one more topic to discuss regarding the way some critics approach Book of Mormon archaeology.

Some critics like to compare the lack of archaeological support for the Book of Mormon with the supposedly voluminous archaeological support for the Bible. As Dr. William Hamblin has pointed out, however, there is a drastic difference between the Old and New Worlds when it comes to epigraphic (written) data, the continuity of culture and toponyms (place names). While the arid environment of biblical archaeology is conducive to preserving archaeological artifacts, the hot, humid Mesoamerican climate is detrimental to the preservation of most artifacts such as wood, bone, metal and clothing.